Python and Anaconda Installation Guide

Renata Cavalcanti, Mayres Pequeno, Alexsandra Cavalcanti, Danillo Batista, and Davi Moreira

Published: 02-07-2022. Updated: 24-01-2024

This is an installation guide for the Python programming language and Anaconda.

It is important to highlight the installation of pip. It will facilitate the installation of packages for Python Therefore, the order of installation is: Python, pip, and Anaconda.

1 PythonInstallation

1.1 Windows Users

For Windows users, visit the following website: https://www.python.org/downloads/. The screen shown in Figure 1.1 will appear. Note that the most up-to-date version at the time of this screenshot is 3.10.5. You may use an older version, but we always recommend the latest one. Therefore, click as indicated by the arrow.

Downloading the installation file

Figure 1.1: Downloading the installation file

Wait for the file to download and then click to install Python. It is important that you check both options shown in Figure 1.2: Install launcher for all users (recommended) and Add Python 3.10 to PATH. Then, click on Install Now, allowing the application to make changes to your device (Figure ??).

Installation file download

Figure 1.2: Installation file download

Permission to make changes

Figure 1.3: Permission to make changes

After the installation is complete, the following message should appear: Setup was successful, as shown in Figure 1.4. Click Close.

Successful installation!

Figure 1.4: Successful installation!

Great! Now let’s check if Python was indeed installed. Open the Windows Command Prompt. To do this, click on the Start Menu, type cmd, and open the application as shown in Figure 1.5 below. Remember this step, as you will use it often.

Command Prompt

Figure 1.5: Command Prompt

In the prompt screen, type the following: python --version. With this command, you are asking what version of Python is installed on your computer, and the response should appear as shown in Figure 1.6.

Installation Verification

Figure 1.6: Installation Verification

Now, check if pip is installed. pip is important for managing the packages necessary to execute functions in the Python language. Type the following: pip --version and wait for the response, which should be as indicated in Figure 1.7.

Pip Installation Verification

Figure 1.7: Pip Installation Verification

READY! INSTALLATION COMPLETED!

1.2 macOS Users

For macOS users, visit the following website: https://www.python.org/downloads/. The screen shown in Figure 1.8 will appears. Note that the most up-to-date version at the time of this screenshot is 3.10.5. You may use an older version, but we always recommend the latest one. Therefore, click as indicated by the arrow.

Installation file download

Figure 1.8: Installation file download

Wait for the file to download and then click to install Python. Click Continue to proceed with the installation, as indicated in Figures 1.9 and 1.10

Installation

Figure 1.9: Installation

Installation

Figure 1.10: Installation

Agree to the terms by clicking Continue and Agree, as indicated in Figures 1.11 and 1.12.

Agreement to terms

Figure 1.11: Agreement to terms

Agreement to terms

Figure 1.12: Agreement to terms

Now, proceed with Install. You will likely be asked for your password. Enter it and click on Install Software.

Done! You can delete the installation file.

Agreement to terms

Figure 1.13: Agreement to terms

Now let’s check if Python was indeed installed. Open the Terminal on your MacOS. To do this, click on Launchpad, type Terminal, and open the application as shown in Figure 1.14 below. Remember this step, as you will use it often.

Terminal

Figure 1.14: Terminal

In the Terminal screen, type the following: python --version or python3 --version. With this command, you are asking what version of Python is installed on your computer, and the response should appear as shown in Figure 1.15.

Installation Verification

Figure 1.15: Installation Verification

Now, check if pip is installed. pip is important for managing the packages necessary to execute functions in Python language. Type the following: pip --version or pip3 --version and wait for the response, which should be as indicated in Figure 1.16

Pip Installation Verification

Figure 1.16: Pip Installation Verification

READY! INSTALLATION COMPLETED!

2 Anaconda Installation

2.1 Windows Users

For Windows users, visit the following website: https://www.anaconda.com/products/distribution. The screen shown in Figure 2.1 will appear. Click as indicated by the arrow.

Download Anaconda

Figure 2.1: Download Anaconda

Wait for the download and run the program. The screen that will appear is shown in Figure 2.2. Click Next, I Agree (Figure 2.3) and Next (Figure 2.4) in sequence. In the last step, make sure the option Just me (recommended) is selected.

Anaconda Installation

Figure 2.2: Anaconda Installation

Agree to the terms

Figure 2.3: Agree to the terms

Selecting the type of installation

Figure 2.4: Selecting the type of installation

Now, you can simply continue by clicking on Next (Figure 2.5). If you wish to change the installation location, modify it in Browse…, but this is not recommended.

Installation location

Figure 2.5: Installation location

Next, advanced installation options will appear. The line Register Anaconda3 as my default Python 3.9 should be checked, as shown in Figure 2.6. Click Install after checking the previous option and wait for the installation to complete.

Installation location

Figure 2.6: Installation location

This step may take a while, but just wait and the following screen will appear!

Installation completed successfully!

Figure 2.7: Installation completed successfully!

Click Next as it appears until you reach the final screen (Figure 2.8). You can leave both options checked if you wish to open a welcome screen in the browser and also to open Anaconda. Click Finish to finalize.

Finishing Installation

Figure 2.8: Finishing Installation

READY! INSTALLATION COMPLETED!

To open Anaconda, go to the Launchpad and look for Anaconda Navigator (anaconda3). Open the application and, if an update message appears, simply update by clicking in sequence: Yes, Yes and Update Now. Finally, click Launch Navigator to reopen the application. Figure 2.9 shows the steps.

Anaconda Update

Figure 2.9: Anaconda Update

READY! UPDATE COMPLETED!

2.2 macOS Users

For macOS users, visit the following website: https://www.anaconda.com/products/distribution. The screen shown in Figure 2.10 will appear. Click as indicated by the arrow.

Download Anaconda

Figure 2.10: Download Anaconda

Wait for the download and run the program. The screen that will appear is shown in Figure 2.11. Then, allow the program to be installed.

Anaconda Installation

Figure 2.11: Anaconda Installation

Continue by clicking Continue (Figure 2.12), reading the necessary information, and agreeing to the license terms. Finally, click Install.

Beginning of Anaconda Installation - Information and Terms

Figure 2.12: Beginning of Anaconda Installation - Information and Terms

READY! INSTALLATION COMPLETED!

To open Anaconda, go to the Launchpad and look for Anaconda Navigator. Open the application and, if an update message appears, simply update by clicking in sequence: Yes, Yes and Update Now. Finally, click Launch Navigator to reopen the application.

Anaconda Update

Figure 2.13: Anaconda Update

READY! UPDATE COMPLETED!